by
Stephen E. Slevinski, Jr.

SignPuddle 3 is currently under active development. Rather than a monolithic project, SignPuddle 3 is split into two separate, but cooperative, projects: the front end of user interactions and the back end for data manipulation.

The front end is intended for the normal user. It is written in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. With the front end, the user will be able to view and edit information with a modern interface across a variety of platforms such as desktop and mobile. Behind the scenes, the front end will communicate with the back end without the user needing to know the additional details.

The back end manages the data in a series of SQLite databases. It is written in PHP and is based on the Slim Framework v2. The back end uses HTTP methods and JSON data to communicate.

The benefits of splitting SignPuddle 3 into two separate projects are mainly directed at outside developers. They will be able to directly interact with the SignPuddle Online data in an easy and direct manner. They will be able to search and query the data, and they will be able to post new data from the users of their products. Developers can start accessing the data today, using the API Blueprint generated documentation.

Three propositions serve as the foundation for all SignPuddle development: the importance of real literacy, the utility of formal structures, and the benefits of living forward.

Literacy is the ability to read and write. Three books are discussed regarding these skills. First, "How to Read a Book", discusses the four levels of reading: elementary, inspectional, analytical, and syntopical. Second, "Writing the Natural Way", discusses the two sides of the brain and how they can be employed for natural writing. Third, "Writing Without Teachers", discusses two types of writing: productive and editorial.

Formal structures deal with the visible shape of something. Topics include the formal conventions of the symbol set, the freeform construction of SignWriting, the formal order used for sorting, and the formal language that is Formal SignWriting.

The benefits of living forward deal with learning from the past, applying in the present, and working towards the future. The presentation closes with a brief discussion of the literary tradition in Western Civilization and the hope for the future of the literary tradition for all sign languages.